The research and development of treatments for inflammatory diseases have gained significant traction in the pharmaceutical industry. This growing interest is driven by the potential for these therapies to offer greater precision and effectiveness compared to existing treatments. Data from BioPharma Dive reveals that 2023 has seen eight acquisitions of immune drug developers, outpacing mergers and acquisitions in oncology. Notable deals include Roche’s $7.1 billion purchase of Telavant and Merck & Co.’s $10.8 billion acquisition of Prometheus Biosciences.
This surge of interest extends to startups as well. Companies like Acelyrin, Apogee Therapeutics, and Kyverna Therapeutics have launched three of the largest initial public offerings since early 2023. Additionally, in the first half of 2024, Mirador Therapeutics, Capstan Therapeutics, and Lycia Therapeutics each secured funding rounds exceeding $100 million.
Among the beneficiaries of this investment boom is AltruBio. Following its rebranding and the appointment of Judy Chou, a former Bayer and Pfizer executive, as CEO, AltruBio has raised nearly $300 million. The company also strengthened its leadership team by adding Jesse Hall, a former Amgen executive, and Jeroen Grasman, who spent over a decade at Roche.
Judy Chou highlighted the strategic benefits of AltruBio’s shift from oncology to immunology in an email to BioPharma Dive. She noted that although capital markets have been challenging, having a drug in mid-stage testing has provided a competitive edge.
AltruBio’s lead drug, ALTB-268, is an advanced version of a previously tested medicine that showed early promise in treating autoimmune diseases. Unlike cancer therapies that activate the immune system, ALTB-268 aims to regulate a specific type of immune cell, aiming to balance the immune response in diseases like ulcerative colitis without broadly suppressing the immune system.
Jake Simson, a partner at RA Capital, emphasized the critical need for innovative solutions in this sector, reflecting the substantial funding and heightened interest in addressing unmet medical needs.
AltruBio is currently conducting a Phase 2a study for ALTB-268 in ulcerative colitis, with results expected in the first half of next year. The company plans to initiate a Phase 2b trial, with data anticipated by 2026.
